The Lenovo Smart Display 10 remains one of the best smart displays available, offering an elegant design with a high-resolution touchscreen and responsive Google Assistant integration. CNET called it 'one of the best' and noted its ability to multitask well, especially for kitchen use. However, it lacks an ambient color temperature sensor like Google's Nest Hub, and scrolling through content via voice can be tedious. It's best suited for those wanting a premium smart display that performs well in cooking environments.
Full review
Design and build quality
The Lenovo Smart Display 10 stands out visually among smart displays with its distinctive bamboo finish and curvaceous form factor. According to Stacey on IoT, the device's aesthetic is described as 'white and having curvy bamboo on the back,' with one reviewer noting that his wife likened it to 'Ikea made it,' which could be either a compliment or a criticism depending on one's view of that furniture brand. The 10-inch model features a 1080p Full HD display with excellent viewing angles, while the 8-inch version uses a 720p screen. The Smart Display can be positioned either horizontally or vertically, with the speaker array situated either on the left or bottom depending on orientation, allowing for flexible setup options. This design approach is noted as being 'inventive' by Pickr, which describes the device as 'technological origami.'
Screen resolution and visual performance
The Lenovo Smart Display 10 is equipped with a 10.1-inch In-Plane Switching display with a Full HD resolution of 1920x1200 pixels, which provides sharp and clear visuals for both media consumption and smart home control. Consumer Reports noted that the screen is 'more than bright enough' for its intended use, and PCMag confirmed that the display offers excellent viewing angles. The screen's resolution allows for detailed visual information when displaying content such as weather forecasts, calendar events, and recipe steps. Stacey on IoT emphasized that the screen is 'super handy for smart home control' because it shows visual feedback like brightness levels when adjusting lights, and the display's clarity is sufficient for watching videos on YouTube or other streaming platforms. The device's ability to show contextual content, such as detailed icons for weather queries or live streams from security cameras, is enhanced by the screen's resolution and clarity.
Audio capabilities and speaker performance
The Lenovo Smart Display 10 includes two 10-watt full-range speakers and two passive tweeters, providing audio that is louder and better than the Google Home Mini according to Stacey on IoT. PCMag reported that the speakers perform well in the mid and high frequencies, though they noted that the bass could be improved. The audio system is designed to complement the smart display's functionality, delivering clear voice responses and music playback. While the speakers are louder than typical smart speakers, reviewers have pointed out that the bass lacks depth, which is a common criticism of smart displays with compact speaker arrays. The audio quality is sufficient for general use, including voice commands, music playback, and video calls, though those seeking premium sound quality may find it wanting.
Voice assistant integration and smart home control
The Lenovo Smart Display 10 runs on Google Assistant and integrates seamlessly with smart home ecosystems, allowing users to control over 10,000 smart home devices. It responds quickly to both voice commands and touch interactions, with PCMag noting that the device 'kicks into action pretty quickly' when activated. The interface provides visual feedback for smart home commands, such as showing brightness levels when adjusting lights. Stacey on IoT highlighted that the touchscreen is useful for fine-tuning smart home commands by dragging sliders, and that the device can display live streams from security cameras like the Nest Hello doorbell. The Google Assistant's contextual features are displayed on screen, including weather forecasts, calendar events, and directions that are automatically sent to the user's phone. The device supports voice commands for playing music, checking the weather, managing calendars, and controlling smart home devices, making it a comprehensive smart home hub.
Camera and video calling capabilities
The Lenovo Smart Display 10 includes a 5-megapixel 720p HD camera designed for video calls, which is a key feature distinguishing it from other smart speakers. The camera is equipped with a physical switch that covers the lens, addressing privacy concerns raised by some users. Stacey on IoT noted that Google Duo works well on the device, though it's recommended to stand the Smart Display on its shorter side for portrait mode video calls. The camera's functionality is limited to Google Duo video calls, with no native support for other video calling applications. While the camera provides clear video quality for video calls, reviewers have not extensively tested its performance beyond the Duo application. The camera's inclusion is a significant feature for users who value video communication capabilities in their smart home devices.
Power and connectivity options
The Lenovo Smart Display 10 connects to networks via 802.11a/b/g/n/ac WiFi and includes Bluetooth LE for additional connectivity options. The device is powered by a Snapdragon 624 processor with up to 2GB RAM and 4GB storage, though exact specifications for RAM and storage are not provided. The power cable included with the device is noted as being too short by Pickr, which is a common complaint among users who wish to place the device on high shelves or in locations where the cable's length is limiting. The device also includes a light/occupancy sensor that dims the display at night and reverts to the screen saver when motion is detected, making it suitable for bedroom use. The power cable's length is a notable design flaw that may limit placement options for users who want to position the device in specific locations.
User experience and interface
The Lenovo Smart Display 10 operates on Android Things, a trimmed-down version of Android designed for smart displays, which provides a user-friendly interface for accessing Google Assistant features. The touchscreen is responsive and allows for easy navigation through the interface, though PCMag noted that the microphones can sometimes be overly sensitive, causing the device to shut itself off unexpectedly. Users must be careful not to speak during processing to avoid triggering unintended responses. The interface supports both touch and voice commands, with the touchscreen being particularly useful for smart home control and content consumption. Stacey on IoT emphasized that the device is useful for small doses of content consumption, such as watching YouTube videos or casting content from mobile devices. The device's ability to display contextual information, such as weather forecasts and calendar events, enhances the user experience by providing relevant information without requiring additional input.
Performance and multitasking
The Lenovo Smart Display 10 handles multitasking well, responding quickly to both voice commands and touch interactions. CNET noted that the device performs well in multitasking scenarios, particularly when used for cooking assistance and smart home control. The device's performance is consistent with other smart displays in the market, offering a responsive experience for voice commands and screen interactions. PCMag reported that the device's processor handles tasks efficiently, though reviewers have not extensively tested its performance under heavy multitasking loads. The device's ability to manage multiple smart home devices simultaneously and provide visual feedback makes it a strong contender for users seeking a comprehensive smart home solution. The interface is designed to be intuitive, allowing users to switch between different functions without difficulty.
Value proposition and market positioning
The Lenovo Smart Display 10 is positioned as a premium smart display with a focus on design and user experience. It offers a 10-inch screen, camera for video calls, relatively loud speakers, and a design that fits better into home aesthetics than competitors. Pickr noted that the value feels better than expected, especially considering the features included. CNET described it as one of the best smart displays available, particularly for users who want a stylish kitchen assistant. The device's premium design and functionality make it a strong choice for those who prioritize aesthetics and comprehensive smart home integration. However, the device's price point may be a barrier for budget-conscious consumers. The device's positioning as a premium smart display with a focus on design and functionality makes it suitable for users who value both form and function in their smart home devices.
Strengths
- +Elegant design with bamboo back option
- +High-resolution touchscreen display
- +Responsive Google Assistant integration
- +Good multitasking capabilities for kitchen use
Watch-outs
- −Limited ambient mode functionality without color temperature sensor
- −Voice scrolling through content can be tedious
How it compares
The Lenovo Smart Display 10 offers an elegant bamboo design and high-resolution display, but lacks the ambient mode functionality of the Google Nest Hub (2nd Generation) due to missing color temperature sensor.
Rating sources
Our 4.3 score is the average of the 4 scored reviews above; 3 more reviewed it without printing a score and are not in the average. More about methodology.
